Does the Foreign Service look more favorably on individuals with advanced degrees or foreign language skills?

There is no set educational level or foreign language skill required to join the Foreign Service as an Officer. Some Foreign Service Specialist positions do have degree requirements. Most officer candidates possess a Bachelor's degree or certification; over three quarters of recent hires have advanced degrees, typically in public administration, international relations, history, or law. Candidates who have passed the oral exam may qualify for bonus points to improve their position within the register list by taking a telephonic language test which assesses speaking proficiency only. The Foreign Service will train officers in job skills or languages required for assignments.